Put on the Spot in a Meeting? Here's how to Shine!

Being called on unexpectedly during a meeting can be uncomfortable or even embarrassing. But it doesn’t have to be either. In fact, it can be an opportunity to excel. (Tweet it!)
 
Writing in The Harvard Business Review, Paul Axtell, author of the book Meetings Matter, says, ”Instead of hoping your boss or the person leading the meeting won’t put you on the spot, prepare yourself for this unexpected opportunity to shine.” His advice:

• Carefully prepare for each meeting and trust yourself;
• Start slowly and set up your comments (e.g. “I have three points to make”);
• Give yourself permission to think out loud (e.g. “There’s something I’ve been considering that I don’t have absolute clarity on yet, but I’d like us to think about.”);
• Have set responses at the ready, including:

            --“Please say a bit more about what you’re asking.”
            -- “I don’t have that information, but it’s important and I will get it to   you.”
            -- “I want to be sure that I understand your main concern. Is it…?”
            -- “Did I answer your question, or would you like to follow up?”
 
Have you ever been put on the spot in a meeting? How did you handle it? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.
 
If you would like to read more about creating a habit around masterful communication, check out our book: Be Quiet, Be Heard: The Paradox of Persuasion

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